FACTORIZING BY GROUPING

In this method we are normally given four algebraic terms to factorize. We first
group the algebraic terms in pairs so that each pair of terms has a common factor.
The common factor is then used to factorize each pair of terms. A common factor is
then found for the pair of factorized terms and then the process of factorization is
completed.

EXAMPE 1:

Factorize completely: px + py + qx + qy

SOLUTION
Now, px + py + qx + qy

Grouping the first two and the last two terms together, we get
px +py+qx + qy
Using the distributive law, we get

p x + y + q x + y

x + y is common to both terms, we factorize

x + y p +q

EXAMPLE 2:

Factorize completely: 2ax - 6ay + bx - 3by

SOLUTION

Given that, 2ax - 6ay + bx - 3by

Grouping the first two and the last two terms together, we get

Now, 2ax - 6ay+bx - 3by

Using the distributive law, we get

So, 2a x - 3y +b x - 3y

x - 3y is common to both terms, we factorize

x - 3y 2a+b
EXAMPE 3:

Factorize completely: 2ac + 4bc - a2 - 2ab

SOLUTION

Now, 2ac + 4bc - a2 - 2ab

Grouping the first two and the last two terms together, we get

2ac + 4bc - a2 - 2ab

Using the distributive law, we get

2c a+ 2b - a a+ 2b

a+ 2b is common to both terms, we factorize

a+ 2b 2c - a

EXAMPLE 4:

Factorize completely: x 2 - y 2 - 5x + 5y

SOLUTION

Given that, x 2 - y 2 - 5x + 5y

Grouping the first two and the last two terms together, we get

Now, x 2 - y 2 - 5x + 5y

Using the distributive law, we get

So, x + y x - y - 5 x - y

x - y is common to both terms, we factorize

x - y x + y - 5
EXERCISE C5

Factorize completely

1. 2x 2 - 3x + 8x -12

2. 6p - 9ps + 4q - 6qs

3. 5p + 5q+p2 - q2

4. 2p - 2q - p2 +pq

5. 3x - 6y + x 2 - 2xy

6. 3x - 6y + ax - 2ay

7. 4x 2 + 8xy - xy - 2y2

8. 2mh- 2nh- 3mk + 3nk

9. 2ax + 3ay - 2bx - 3by